Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Hey all! JFH's own John DiBiase blogged live from the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards press room (on April 21, 2010). The transcript below counts down backwards the events of the night as we blogged moment by moment. So if you want to read it in chronological order, please start at the bottom of the page.

10:58PM CST -- That's it! It's all over! Thanks for all your comments and for following along with us! I'll be posting Dove press room photos soon! I'm out for the night. Love you all! --- John

10:53PM CST -- Casting Crowns was just back here and now Natalie Grant is up at the mic... admitting she fell on her face back stage (why she's telling us, I don't know :) ). /// Thanks all for the kind words and reading!

10:36PM CST -- Franny Battistelli is back here talking about her singles success. ... And she's hiding her pregnancy very well! :)

10:33PM CST -- You're welcome, Maria! :) /// The grand finale just ended. The press room will keep going for a bit, but the show is over! I'll keep blogging as long as we have artists coming in.

10:32PM CST -- Replying to you Mike, it's all good bro. :) Glad you agreed with the other winner high points :)

8:31PM CST -- Bart just blew an intro and it was priceless! (he followed it with "Christmas Time is Here"). RED is now performing "The Fight Inside" with Brian "Head" Welch and producer Bernie Herms.

8:22PM CST -- Franny is now performing "Beautiful, Beautiful" (btw - she announced she's expecting a child this October!) and Tenth Ave North, Jason Ingram, and Philip LaRue are her in the press room talking to us.

8:13PM CST -- Female Vocalist of the Year is up now............ Francesca Battistelli just won!! Congrats Franny! You deserve it for those pipes!

8:06PM CST -- The working title for Brandon Heath's new record is "Leaving Eden." One of the new song titles is "Your Love," which he wrote with Jason Ingram. Jason Crabb just came back here after Brandon left...

8:03PM CST -- Brandon Heath is back here now talking to us, and how he's hard at work on a new album. Meanwhile, Tenth Avenue North is performing at the Doves show (I think it's "By Your Side").

7:57PM CST -- And Song of the Year is ........ what?! "By Your Side" by Tenth Ave. North?! Kind of an old one to win... but congrats to the guys anyway.

7:56PM CST -- Song of the Year nominees are being announced now...

7:54PM CST -- To the recent blog comments -- Davy - thanks for the www.gmclife.com stream clarification. :) And Micah -- I honestly would love to see Skillet get it too, but it's kind of unlikely. But I'm pretty much hoping for anyone but CC :) (Go JARS too! ;) )

7:38PM CST -- To answer another Blog Comment -- Arielle, I know it will air on TV Sunday, but am not sure about it being online or not. I'm sorry! :( /// Back to the Doves... PCD is chatting back here, reflecting on their song "Revelation Song" and reflecting on their 19-year career!

7:34PM CST -- To answer a Blog Comment -- Keren, Jordin is a Christian and actually wrote the song "Human" for Natalie to sing. Kinda cool! /// Back to the Doves... Brandon gave a great thank-you speech. His father is actually in the hospital tonight! :( Please remember him in your prayers.

7:32PM CST -- PCD and Jobe got a standing ovation. Millard is now announcing Male Vocalist of the Year. I'd like to see Bebo Norman get it. :) The Dove Award goes to..... Brandon Heath for the second year in a row!

7:20PM CST -- Natalie and Bart Millard of MercyMe are tonight's hosts. They're now chatting it up before launching the festivities. They just said there's more of a focus on performers this year because of the artists' common message. Kari Jobe and Phillips Craig & Dean are opening up with "Revelation Song"

7:12PM CST --Natalie Grant and Jordin Sparks are performing a song right now ("Human?")

7:03PM CST -- The adorable Melinda Doolittle is back here. So cute to hear her talk! She announced a new book coming out real soon. Meanwhile, there's the opening prayer for the main event of the Dove Awards ceremony!

6:37PM CST -- Jaci and Nic were just back here briefly. Anyway, back to my awards thoughts.... Would have loved to have seen the Third Day live video get an award. Well deserved to see Crowder win with "Church Music." and pretty cool to see Switchfoot get one for their single "Mess Of Me." I'm anxious to see where the big awards will go... would love to see Jars of Clay score some more of the biggie awards. Maybe Skillet? Maybe Toby? Guess we'll see...

6:27PM CST -- Pre-show is over! Break time before the last few awards during the main Dove Awards show. Looking back on the pre-show... I'm quite happy to see Jars of Clay score Packaging and Pop/Contemporary Album with "Long Fall Back To Earth." JFH readers know we dug the record quite a bit. So we can't be happier! Also, NEEDTOBREATHE grabbed two Doves for their new album "The Outsiders." That's stinkin' awesome. Now we're getting ready for more artists to come back here and talk to us...

6:19PM CST -- Jaci and Nic just introduced Point of Grace who will announce the last two Dove Awards for the pre-show. Producer of the Year is up next. I'm really surpised this isn't in the main show! Producer of the Year is... Jason Ingram & Rusty Varenkamp!

6:17PM CST -- Long Form Video of the Year is now being announced. Would be cool to see Third Day get this! .... dangit. Congrats to the Oak Ridge Boys who take home the Dove instead!

6:15PM CST -- Short Form Video of the Year is on stage now (while the adorable Kari Jobe is back here) -- Francesca Battistelli's "Free To Be Me" wins Short Form Video!

6:07PM CST -- Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year is also up now.... The Dove goes to... NEEDTOBREATHE's "Lay 'Em Down"! Yeah baby! Great pick!

6:05PM CST -- Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year is up now... Go Toby!! ... The Dove Award goes to TobyMac's "City On Our Knees!" Congrats brother!

6:02PM CST -- Country Recorded Song of the Year goes to "Somebody Like Me" by Jason Crabb

6:00PM CST -- Bebo and the boys of Selah are presenting now. Contemporary Gospel Record Song of the Year is "The Power of One" by Israel Houghton

5:57PM CST -- Sorry for the delay! We were listening to Jars of Clay talk to us back here. Mike Farris just won something (ha, sorry, we missed what!). Country Album of the Year is up now -- rock band Abandon is presenting -- "The Reason" by Diamond Rio!

5:44PM CST -- Now they're singing the song in the style of Praise & Worship. The Worship Song of the Year is "Revelation Song"!

5:41PM CST -- The Sisters are now singing "Blessed Be The Ties That Bind" before they announce the Bluegrass Song of the Year nominees. The winner is... "When We Fly"

5:39PM CST -- Sherri Easter is giving a tearful and appreciative thank-you to her writing collaborators for the album. It's a sweet moment. Apparently the song was inspired by the struggling with - and victory over - cancer.

5:35PM CST -- Sisters are on stage now... who want to sing the next list on nominees? That's different! Southern Gospel Song of the Year nominees are up. The Dove Award goes toooo... "Born To Climb" by Jeff and Sherri Easter

5:31PM CST -- Radio Station of the Year just went to Joy FM in Winston Salem, NC. RED is back here talking to us.

5:27PM CST -- Nominees for Best Children Music Album of the Year... And the winner is: VeggieTales' "Here I Am To Worship"! Haha awesome!

5:25PM CST -- Karen just asked Jaci for help for the Spanish Album of the Year names. Haha. Nice. "La Conta" wins by Kari Jobe

5:23PM CST -- J.R, Karen Peck, andLaura Story are up as presenters to introduce Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year. The Dove Award goes to... "Love Unstoppable" by Fred Hammond

5:17PM CST -- Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year ---- THE OUTSIDERS by NEEDTOBREATHE!! Omigoodness! Congrats guys! KJ just came back here. And RED just won Rock Album of the Year for "Innocence & Instinct" (one of the guys shook the award to see if the bottom fell off. haha)

5:15PM CST -- The bottom of Crowder's award just popped right off while he was doing his acceptance speech!! Talk about cutbacks! Daaaang. :) And the winner of Christmas Album of the Year is Big Daddy Weave's "Christ Has Come"

5:14PM CST -- MIKESCHAIR is now announcing the Praise & Worship Album. The Dove Award goes to... David Crowder's "Church Music!" There is JUSTICE in the music world! 5:11PM CST -- Jaci and Nic just introduced MIKESCHAIR who are introducing Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year... The Dove Award goes to: KJ-52 with "Five-Two Television!" Congrats Jonah!

5:09PM CST -- Phillips Craig & Dean just won Inspirational Song of the Year for "Revelation Song" (I'm still stoked Jars won Pop album!)

5:04PM CST -- Group 1 Crew is coming back here as well. Byron Chambers is with Manuel. Jarsof Clay's "Long Fall Back to Earth" just won Pop Album of the Year! SO happy about this! They deserve it. :)

5:01PM CST -- On stage, they're honoring Eva Mae LeFevre, who recently passed away. They're announcing the nominees for Southern Gospel Album of the Year. The Dove goes to... The Gaither Vocal Band with "Reunited." A shaggy-haired Michael English came up to accept it. Blue Grass Album of the Year is up next as well. The Dove Award goes to... The Isaacs, "Naturally."

5:00PM CST -- Bebo is still back here. He's talking about the song he won for and told us he's working on a brand new record!

4:56PM CST -- Bebo Norman is about to come back here in the press room to speak to us. This was his second Dove Award of all time.

4:54PM CST -- And now up to perform is Karen Peck with "Why Can't All God's Children Get Along".

4:52PM CST -- Urban Recorded Song of the Year is up now. Jonny and Crystal are still announcing winners. The Dove Award goes to.... "Close To You" by Bebe and CeCe Winans AND Israel Houghton's "Just Wanna Say" ... Two Winners?!

4:50PM CST -- Inspirational Song of the Year goes to... "The Only Hope" by Bebo Norman! Congrats Bebo!

4:48PM CST -- Rock Recorded Song of the Year is up now... The Dove goes tooooo... (Skillet or Switchfoot would be sweet!) .... The winner is "Mess of Me" by SWITCHFOOT! Nice!

4:33PM CST -- And the pre-show is off to a cutesy start as Jaci Velasquez and co-host (and husband) Nic Gonzalez of Salvador are kicking things off, introducing presenters Sidewalk Prophets...

4:20PM CST -- Hey friends! Thanks to all who have answered our Tweet with who they hope is going to win their respective awards! We're still waiting for things to get started back here. Keep telling us who you hope wins!

3:33PM CST -- Hey all! Just settling into the Doves press room. The room is a flurry of activity at the minute. Looks like the pre-show starts around 4PM CST and that's where they will give away the majority of the evening's awards. So we'll keep you in the loop!

8. Mary said...

9. Allyson+Reed said...

10. Mary said...

11. Christian said...

Artist of the Year - Jars of Clay
New Artist of the Year - Johnny Diaz
Group of the Year - Tenth Avenue North
Song of the Year - "By Your Side" or "Two Hands
Female Vocalist - Francesca Battistelli
Male Vocalist - Brandon Heath
Producer - Jason Ingram

21. Mike+Phillips said...

22. Christian said...

Sarah Reeves released a 6-song EP, which they obviously don't count as anything, or Danyew would be up there are well. Another negative about their system is that the little known bands like Fiction Family and Tall and Acacia don't make the cut, especially with the new voting thing. It kinda messes up the actual face of the award, and it's more based on popularity than... should I say talent? Or musical quuality? Just a thought

29. Allyson+Reed said...

30. Bradley said...

i say for album of the year The Long Fall Back to earth. Great stuff front to back. just bought it a few days ago, but i had gotten it from the library a couple times before and i liked it. i also got the face of love by sanctus real for 3 bucks. mwahahaha

38. Mary said...

39. Mike Phillips said...

Thanks JFH for keeping us in the loop with your live blog coverage! I don't share your love for Needtobreathe, but there were some nice surprises (Jars, Crowder, Francesca, Mess of Me) that made up for it. Until next year: blessings!

40. Maria+aka+Rockermom said...

yup is the Dove. I was sure that either Toby or Skillet was taking the big one :( Anyways, thanks again for all the updates, it was fun reading your comments (next best thing to being there). Enjoy the rest of your trip, be blessed!

41. Catherine said...

"Oh, right. It's the Doves.... Casting Crowns is Artist of the Year. And that's how we end the night?"

That pretty much sums up the whole night. Why do the Dove awards ALWAYS snub Skillet? Skillet has been breaking ground for 14 years. It's about time they get recognized for it.
I mean, they were up for 6 awards and lost them all. That's not even right. I was sure they'd have at least won the short-form video. They had two nominations in that category. :/

43. Justin said...

Would somebody please explain all of this animosity toward Casting Crowns? They deserve every award they've received and more. They may not be the most innovative band, but they truly understand and live-out their ministry on and off the stage. To me, that's what matters.
Plus, their album sales speak pretty loudly, too. Obviously their music is striking a chord with the masses.
So, to Casting Crowns I say, congratulations! I hope you win many more!

44. JP said...

How lame!!! The doves were looking pretty good except for the ending. No offence to Casting Crowns, but did they even release something this part year? (I know they had Until the Whole World Hears, but I think that was too late to be "considered, right?) Anyways, Skillet deserved it (IMO) because of all the mainstream exposure they received.

And BTW, where was Matthew West in all of this? you would think the #1 played song of the year would have been nominated SOMEWHERE!!

46. eddie+fye said...

47. hotrodjess said...

Awards just collect dust on shelf anyway and if the above picture is the actual award itself its kinda ugly anyway.These awards shouldn't be the way people measure success. Skillet's fans and all the other artist that got snubed's fans know that they are amazing

49. eddie+fye said...

Yeah, it's not that CC's ministry isn't effective or legit, they're just artistically overrated. I was so stoked to see NEEDTOBREATHE get Group of the Year, because - love 'em or hate 'em -- they're amazing musicians making music for the Christian and mainstream markets. I'm so proud of them. So while there were some majorly disappointing wins (there were much better New Artists that weren't even nominated for some bizarre reason - as many of you have pointed out.... and Skillet had a banner year which should have earned Artist of the Year... plus Jars had a fantastic year too...), I was still happy to see some seriously talented musicians get wins for categories that normally would go to the most popular. I mean, Crowder's "Church Music" really is the best worship record for the year. That's justice being done by him getting the win there, but he's not the most popular for the choice.

As I was driving "home" from the Doves, it dawned on me that New Artist and Artist of the Year were fan-chosen by GMC voting..... but those choices didn't line up with everyone else who won at the Doves... so does that just mean that it's more of a representation of GMC's demographic? Hmmm... I don't know. Maybe it truly is an actual representation of "fan-chosen" winners, but ultimately it seems like more or less who's popular at radio than who's all-around best in that category... (*shrug* I need to go to bed)

51. Angela said...

Speaking of overrated, as it was mentioned before, I don't think Sidewalk Prophets is all that great... >_> My dad got the CD; I HAVE listened to it and was extremely disappointed. The sound was like every "hit" that's out there, an annoying attempt at pop attempting to be rock, and the lyrics sounded unorigional... That's why I like Abandon a lot, cause most of their lyrics are all just... different.

I'm kinda upset that they (Abandon) didn't win, but they WERE fairly beaten by RED.(I love them even more after seeing them on tour Sunday!) So, kudos to RED for winning, though I didn't like half of the other choices... Though I'm still pondering why Abandon wasn't in the Rock/Contemporary group?

52. Jeremy said...

I buy Casting Crowns' albums, but I after I listened to their last album, I didn't really have the desire to listen to that particular album again. The title track and the hidden tracks were the best. But I do believe that they are in it for the right reasons.
PS - I didn't totally understand the Petra reference above. I'm a Petra fan. Petra put out very few bad albums.

53. Steven said...

I'm glad that there is a lot of Christian music in different genres going around, but seriously, some of this stuff just flat out sucks. Needtobreathe is most likely the most boring thing on Christian radio, and they might as well have renamed this to the "KLove" awards, because the only songs/artists that ever win are the ones on their constant rotation for whatever reason. I'm hard pressed to turn on the radio and hear ANYTHING other than Brandon Heath or the pledge drive. Where's the variety in the music scene?

54. Adam Springsteen said...

First off don't compare Casting Crowns to Petra. Petra did so much more for the Christian music industry, paving the way for many artists we have today. They deserve everything they get and more. Secondly, Casting Crowns is highly overrated. The music they write sounds the same on every album. Let's come up with 5 music tracks and add different lyrics to each track and a few tweaks and BAM new song. Realy!!? There are hundreds of other artists to choose from so why choose Casting Crowns every year. If they win Artist of the Year or Group of the Year next year I think I think I will puke. Also the Dove awards will further prove their insignificance to artists careers. Popularity contest anyone?!! What about the Supertones, Skillet and Geoff Moore and The Distance who won a combined 2 dove awards between all three. Yet Casting Crowns has over a dozen in 7 years?!! Get out of here, that is stupid!! Next year we may see Casting Crowns sweep the Dove Awards, it wouldn't suprise me. Faith Faith Faith by Casting Crowns is Kids song of the year. WOW didn't see that coming!!!

55. Daniel said...

What is your problem with Sidewalk Prophets? They have been working hard all year, wowing people all over the nation on two great tours, dropping a sweet #1 single, not to mention their stellar album. Do you have some sort of vendetta against them? They are, hands down, most deserving New Artist of the Year! Also, By Your Side isn't too old. It was released in '09 which makes it perfect and the right choice for Song of the Year!

57. Jeff Springsteen said...

Casting Crowns is not a bad group. However, they have won group of the year 5 years in a row until NeedtoBreathe won it. Then they get artist of the year instead. That is 6 years in a row they got a major award. NO BAND should get that type of notification. Every time I turn on the radio it is Casting Crowns. The funny thing is, it is usually form their first or second album. Their new songs get less play then their old stuff. Also their music sounds the same on each record. Just think about this stat: Casting Crowns has won a dove award every year they have been around. The Newsboys (also serious and produce great music) have not won an award since 1999. Skillet who had a top 50 tour has won 1 dove award. The GMC seems to fall in love with certain artist and votes for them every year. But it was nice to see some bands get recognized this year.

Daniel -- There's nothing "wowing" about Sidewalk, except maybe how mediocre they are. They're just another adult contemporary band. Not a good representation of amazing new music. And "By Your Side" was 2008, not 2009.

Steven -- You say NTB is the most boring thing on the radio... what's the most exciting thing to you then? And that's the problem with radio singles... they all have that same safe accessible vibe. The rest of NTB's albums are just excellent... and they're fan-TASTIC live.

59. Daniel said...

Wowing are lyrics like this... "I am the thorn in His crown, I am the sweat from His brow, I am the nail in His wrist, I am Judas' kiss." Anyone willing to be that open and honest deserves accolades.

Wowing is also this, "I would crawl upon my knees, just to know the joy of suffering." What a beautiful sentiment.

Both these "wowing" well-crafted lines are from Sidewalk Prophets songs. It seems like most everyone on this site is so judgemental. You bash bands like SWP and CC and Tenth Ave. when God has given them a song, a passion and a vision that is reaching so many for Christ. Just because the rhythm and sound are different from what you normally listen to doesn't mean it you should disrespect. Check an artist out COMPLETELY, not just by one single, before you trash them.

As for Abandoned... I met them and they were more concerned about doing their hair than hanging out with the campers. That is from experience.

60. John+H said...

Really?!?! Casting Crowns AGAIN? Isn't this kind of overdoing it? I mean, Casting Crowns is very popular and all that but this is too absurd. These big awards, such as the artist of the year or the group of the year, shouldn't go to the same band every year(isn't this like the 6th year in a row?), it kind of ruins the way people think about Dove Awards. Anyway, thank you for the coverage Mr. Dibase, I don't have cable, so this was really helpful.

Daniel -- They might have well meaning and worshipful lyrics, but that doesn't mean the art is beautiful or anything grand. We're big on the whole package -- not just lyrics. So many artists are mediocre musically but the ministry is there. We understand that. We're not telling people not to listen to these bands. We realize they have a ministry that works. But for art -- for artists (that's why they're called "artists") -- we want to encourage some growth. Something unique. SWP are not that. Period.

And we never judge music by singles. We don't care about singles. In fact, that's the point I was trying to make to Steven who was judging NTB based on their singles. Their song "Garden" is just amazing lyrically.

Anyway, I don't expect everyone to believe that music and lyrics are equally important. I understand that some place so much more importance on ministry. That's fine. But JFH wants to encourage growth artistically as well. That's just our convictions (especially mine). If others don't agree, that's fine. Agree to disagree. :)

62. Alyssa said...

63. Daniel said...

john

I believe that art is an important and beautiful thing... trust me. And as a vocal artist Sidewalk Prophets has one of the best. Dave can sing almost anyone out there into the ground! Just go see them live and tell me he can't! Their chords might not be the hardest thing to play, and the songs may sound like 90's rock, but that is great for me. Is it completely new? No, but why isn't something that sounds wonderfully fimiliar and has a lot of heart and beauty behind it art? The answer is that it is. I never said they were cutting-edge or barnd spankin original, but Sidewalk Prophets are artists, lyrically, vocally, and musically. True artists.

I agree on the singles part and trust me NeedtoBreath are AMAZING artists in every sense of the word. But as far as originality, they sound like Kings of Leon... which according to your definition makes them not an artist. But trust me, they are.

66. Daniel said...

John,
You saw SWP play an entire concert live... or just one song? Or just 10 minutes? You have to give them a fair chance. You have mentioned nothing of Dave's vocal talent, and that is a sad misjudgment of what "art" truly is!

67. John DiBiase said...

Daniel - you're going to have to let it go bro. Ha. I saw them perform 1 song last year during GMA and I saw them perform their Winter Jam set. Completely underwhelming. Dave can do a good job with a Michael Jackson impression, but otherwise their music and his voice do zilch for me. Sorry, man! Not feelin' em even remotely. That's not to say they won't make some good tunes that'll grab me in the future of course. However, until then...

Happy to see Switchfoot and Needtobreathe win! A very deserved win for both. I really don't get Sidewalk Prophets winning new artist. There were so many other deserving artists who should have shown up in this catagory. I've been less than thrilled by what I've heard from Sidewalk. But it's funny, I just saw them perform at The Rock & Worship Road show last week and was really surprised to see the crowd go crazy when they performed their song "The Words I Would Say ". I personally don't get it, I don't find the song to be all that great. Also, Skillet so derserved a win, they truly have had an incredible year.

By the way Daniel, I've also met Abandon and they are sweet, very genuine guys. They don't deserve to be judged any more so than Sidewalk Prophets, who's character never came into question, just their music.

69. Legolas said...

70. Peter Nichol said...

I think Sidewalk Prophets were quite deserving. I would have been surprised had they not won after following them closely for the past several years. They have written several excellent songs which are impacting thousands of folks across the country. Where ever they go the fans just love these guys and find them to be very genuine. They have a very unique sound and I'm thankful for their success!

71. Tanner Conticelli said...

RED and Brain Welch on stage together???? AWESOME!!!

However, the main reason why I don't usually watch 'award' shows is it lacks EVERYTHING! Not one time did anybody mention Pillar, Thousand Foot Krutch, As I Lay Dying, UnderOath, Demon Hunter, and I could make an endless list of more than deserving artists who put everything out on the line to make great music for their fans. Don't get me wrong, I listen to Skillet, KJ, Toby, and so on, but it seems that even Christian music has their 'mainstream' favorites, forgetting some of the greatest to hit the stage.

I'm really hoping Blindside doesn't disappoint with there 'comeback' album later this year. I've missed those guys greatly!

73. Paul said...

Next year will be tobyMac's year along with Sanctus Real, I predict. Unfortunately, this year was Skillet's year and they came out empty-handed.
Oh yeah, I guess next year will also be Casting Crowns year, LOL!!